Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs disputes Flock Safety contract

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has notified Flock Safety that a contract between the company and the county sheriff is no longer valid, potentially jeopardizing the operation of over 140 cameras in the region.

In a letter to a regional sales director for Flock Safety, Jacobs argued that total expenditures under a 2020 contract—amounting to $274,720, plus an additional $800,000 purchase through Omnia—exceeded the $100,000 threshold requiring County Commission approval. Jacobs stated that because these purchases lacked the necessary review by elected officials, the contract is not legally binding. He also issued a notice that the county will not be renewing the agreement.

Jacobs expressed concerns regarding a lack of transparency during the initial rollout of the technology. He noted that his understanding of the devices had changed, stating he previously believed they functioned as standard license plate readers but discovered they are significantly different.